Selzman Craig H, Zimmerman Michael A, Campbell David N
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO 80262, USA.
J Card Surg. 2003 Jan-Feb;18(1):25-8. doi: 10.1046/j.1540-8191.2003.01908.x.
Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is the most common congenital coronary artery defect. Left uncorrected, nearly 90% of patients will die within one year. Without surgical repair, surviving patients are subjected to risks of myocardial ischemia with global cardiomyopathy, chronic mitral regurgitation, and sudden death. We report a case of ALCAPA in a 23-year-old female with completely preserved left ventricular function. This article reviews the mechanism of this unusual presentation as well as the therapeutic options for adults presenting with ALCAPA.